Is That Ingrown Toenail Getting Worse? Here's What You Need to Know

At Revive-Restore Skin and Joint Clinic, we see patients at every stage of this condition — from a first-time, mildly sore nail edge to longstanding, repeatedly infected toes that have been causing problems for months. Whether yours is a recent development or a recurring frustration, understanding what is happening and why is the first step towards sorting it out properly.

What Is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis) occurs when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin rather than over it. The big toe is most commonly affected, though any toe can develop the problem. The result is inflammation, pressure on the soft tissue, and — if left untreated — infection.

What Causes Them?

There is rarely one single cause. Ingrown toenails typically develop due to a combination of factors:

• Incorrect nail cutting — cutting nails too short or rounding the edges encourages the nail to grow into the skin rather than cleanly over it
• Tight or narrow footwear — pressure from shoes can force the nail edge downward into the surrounding tissue
• Nail shape — naturally curved or fan-shaped nails are more prone to ingrowing
• Trauma — a stubbed toe or repetitive pressure from sport can alter how the nail grows
• Heredity — the shape of your nail and nail bed is often inherited

Symptoms to Watch For

Ingrown toenails tend to follow a recognisable pattern. Early on, you may notice:

• Tenderness or soreness along one or both sides of the nail
• Redness and slight swelling around the nail edge
• Discomfort when wearing shoes or applying pressure to the toe

As the condition progresses, symptoms can worsen:

• Increased swelling and throbbing pain
• Discharge or pus — a sign of infection
• Overgrowth of skin (hypergranulation tissue) around the nail edge
• Difficulty walking comfortably

Why Self-Treatment Often Makes Things Worse

It is very tempting to try and deal with an ingrown toenail at home — digging at the nail edge, cutting a “V” into the nail tip, or tucking cotton wool underneath. These approaches are not only ineffective; they often make the problem significantly worse.

Digging into the nail corners causes trauma to the nail bed and surrounding tissue. The “V-cut” technique is a persistent myth — it does not redirect nail growth. And introducing anything into an already inflamed area increases the risk of infection.

If your ingrown toenail is not improving within a few days, or if you notice any signs of infection, it is time to seek professional assessment.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You should seek professional advice if:

• The pain is not settling with basic measures such as warm soaks and comfortable footwear
• You notice redness spreading beyond the nail, discharge, or increasing swelling
• You have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or any condition affecting circulation or sensation in your feet — in these cases, prompt assessment is especially important as the risks of complications are higher
• This is a recurring problem that keeps coming back

What Does an Assessment Involve?

At Revive-Restore Skin and Joint Clinic, every patient is seen by Sarah Treliving — an HCPC-registered podiatrist and independent prescriber with over 24 years' experience in a podiatric surgery setting.

Your initial assessment will include a full review of the nail, the surrounding tissue, and your general foot health. Sarah will take the time to understand how long the problem has been present, what you have already tried, and what your daily activities and footwear involve. From there, an appropriate treatment plan is discussed with you.

Could Nail Surgery Be the Answer?

For many patients — particularly those with recurrent ingrown toenails or persistent infection — nail surgery offers a reliable, long-term solution.

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you remain comfortable throughout. Depending on the extent of the problem, a portion of the nail edge or the full nail may be removed, and a chemical treatment is applied to prevent regrowth in that area.

Recovery is straightforward for most people, with patients typically back to normal footwear within a few weeks. For those who have been struggling with repeated episodes of an ingrown toenail, surgery can be genuinely life-changing.